Dried lemons, which drying method is most effective?

Crispy dried lemons, similar to crispy dried oranges and apples, are often dried to make powder, fruit detox drinks, or teas combined with various other dried herbs. Each drying method yields different results; let’s explore the characteristics of crispy dried lemons depending on the type of drying machine currently available in Vietnam.

Lemons are characterized by their high water content but also high fiber content, making them firm and arranged in small compartments on a slice. Therefore, after drying, they maintain a better shape than other fruits, with less shrinkage due to the fiber content, while the watery segments tend to shrink noticeably. However, dried sliced ​​lemons are primarily used in detox drinks, making them a popular product on the market. Dried lemons are used in fruit detox drinks along with pineapple, strawberries, apples, etc., and are also used to make lemon powder, lemon tea, and many other products. What type of drying machine is suitable for this fruit? Let’s explore more information below.

Hot air dryers, also known as domestic dryers or thermal dryers, are the most versatile drying equipment, with drying temperatures ranging from 40-100°C, suitable for many products, including crisp drying of vegetables and herbs, and chewy drying of fruits. Hot air drying is a common method, using high heat to dry products. Therefore, depending on the specific product, the preservation of shape, color, flavor, and nutritional value compared to the original product varies. Customers choose the appropriate machine based on their specific product requirements. Hot air drying is also very suitable for drying sliced ​​lemons.

Cold dryers, also known as specialized fruit dryers or heat pump dryers, are specialized drying devices for fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs at low temperatures ranging from 10-40°C to preserve the shape, color, and nutrients of the product. Freeze dryers are quite expensive, but the quality of the dried product is better than with hot drying. Therefore, choosing the right machine for your product is crucial for profitability.

Freeze dryer is a truly advanced drying device where the final dried product essentially loses only its water content; other characteristics remain intact, such as shape, color, flavor, and nutritional value. The drying principle is completely different from the methods mentioned above. Freeze-drying operates at -30°C and under vacuum pressure in the drying chamber; all products must be completely frozen before the sublimation process occurs. Therefore, dried lemons will retain their crisp shape, the lemon segments will not shrink, and they will retain their color and nutritional value.

In summary, based on the information above, customers now understand the results achieved with crispy dried lemon slices using different drying machines. Please contact Mactech directly for more information on other products. Thank you for reading this information.